Sound cannon accusation after mass protest: government on the defensive!

Sound cannon accusation after mass protest: government on the defensive!

In Belgrade, a large demonstration against the Serbian government abruptly broke off, leading to sharp accusations about the use of a sound cannon. More than 3,000 participants have reported their experiences as of Monday, claiming that they heard a deafening roar at around 7:11 p.m. Saturday evening, followed by a blast, causing panic among protesters, reports said kosmo.at. However, the Serbian authorities firmly deny all allegations and are ready to take legal action against those spreading such claims.

Government critics are calling for an independent investigation into the incident, supported by a petition signed by over 500,000 people in 24 hours. This petition is aimed at international organizations such as the UN Human Rights Commission and the OSCE, reported puls24.at. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Miloš Vučević is proposing to involve both the FBI and the Russian secret service FSB in the investigation - a measure seen by many as inadequate.

Eyewitnesses reported an extraordinary heat wave and then a blast wave that knocked many demonstrators to the ground, leading to an immediate halt to the protests. Damage from such a sound cannon could have serious health consequences, including hearing damage, according to former police commissioner Božo Prelević. However, hospitals have denied reports of any injuries. Amid these controversies, the Belgrade Public Prosecutor's Office is now investigating the origins of this information and is investigating on suspicion of causing panic, which is punishable by up to five years in prison.